Side Orders • March 14, 2019

Carla Tracy

Dining Editor

carlatracy@mauinews.com

WEST SIDE STORIES . . . In celebration of its third anniversary in Kapalua, Taverna Urban Drinks + Italian Eats presented a check for $3,900 for Nabavi Legacy Fund programs for Maui youth.

In addition, Taverna Principal Partner Chris Kaiwi will host the “Under the Stars” anniversary bash from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at the restaurant on Office Road. Enjoy food from eight guest chefs at action stations and live music by Gina Martinelli Trio. Cost is $125 per person. For tickets call 667-2426.

“We’re very proud to be a local business supporting the awareness of healthy eating and living,” says Taverna Chef and partner Roger Stettler. “We applaud the efforts of the Nabavi Legacy Fund.”

By the way, Roger, wife Lynn Stettler and Kaiwi will open Cow Pig Bun and Taverna all under one roof on South Kihei Road in Kihei. The Stettlers ran the original Cow Pig Bun near Maui Brewing Co in Kihei Technology Park . . . (Word has it that MBC’s chef has left and is brewing up a new restaurant in Napili.)

The Champagne Hale at Cliff House is back at Montage Kapalua Bay as a pop up today through Sunday and again from March 21 to 23. Open to anyone 21 and older, it pours fine Veuve Clicquot beverages and serves gourmet bites overlooking the ocean and epic sunsets. . . In addition, the Montage Kapalua Bay announces the appointment of new Catering & Conference Services Manager Aubrey Concar from San Diego, where she worked for Hyatt Regency.

Also in Kapalua, the legendary Plantation Golf Course is being enhanced and the fairways are closed to play, but the Plantation House restaurant is still open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy hour daily.

Mondays, kamaaina get 20 percent off. Tuesdays, get two entrees and one bottle of wine for $79.95 per couple. Wednesdays, dive into 50 percent off sommelier selected bottles. Thursdays, prime rib sizzles. Cocktail discounts run Fridays and Saturdays. And five-course Hawaii-inspired feasts tempt on Sundays, according to Kathy Felten, office manager for Plantation House.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. oceanfront on Front Street in Lahaina invites everyone who thinks that life is like a box of chocolates to enjoy its new daily happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m. at the bar.

“Sip refreshing Blue Hawaiians, Mai Tais, Lava Flows, Mango Mojitos, wines by the glass and beer selections all starting at $3.50,” says Regional Sales Director Tambara Garrica, who is based in Lahaina. “Shareable bites include grilled or fried fish tacos, calamari and popcorn shrimp — all available starting at $5.”

Ruth’s Chris Steak House boasts locations at the Outlets of Maui mall in Lahaina and at The Shops at Wailea. Now the famous fine-dining franchise is celebrating with its Spring Surf & Turf Menu for $45.95 per person with salad, petite filet and shrimp and accompaniment.

ON THE HORIZON . . . The Maui Ag Festival will transition to a new date this summer along with a new venue Upcountry. It will NOT be held the first week of April in Waikapu. Stay tuned.

Located in the former Caffe Ciao at Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea, the Makana Market & Cafe will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come check out fresh pastries, nitro cold-brew coffees and Chef Tylun Pang’s new poke bar.